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Brexit: No deal a 'dangerously realistic' scenario, MEPs told - live news Boris Johnson tells Tory MPs if Brexit delayed he would not fight election on no-deal platform - live news
(32 minutes later)
This is from my colleague Rowena Mason.
Damian Green, leader of the One Nation caucus of MPs, says Boris Johnson told him at meeting:- he will not go into election promising no deal Brexit- he will not make a pact with Nigel Farage."We looked each other in the eye. I accept and believe the reassurances," says Green
Obviously, this does not mean Boris Johnson has given up trying to take the UK out of the EU on 31 October.
It means that, if Brexit does get extended against his wishes, and he has to fight an election, he says he will not campaign on a Brexit party-style no-deal platform, as an unnamed No 10 insider (almost universally assumed to be Dominic Cummings) told the Spectator earlier this week.
Michel Barnier has now finished. Here is some comment on what he had to say.
From the BBC’s Adam Fleming
The UK's proposals for an alternative backstop have just been absolutely TRASHED by @MichelBarnier in the European Parliament but he did confirm the two sides are looking at "a more important role" for the Northern Irish political institutions.
From Mail Online’s James Tapsfield
As always, the more you listen to Michel Barnier speak, the less likely a deal sounds
From RTE’s Tony Connelly
BREAKING: Michel Barnier: To put things frankly, we are not really in a position where we can find an agreement
Barnier says there are other issues dividing the two sides, including what to put in the political declaration.
He says there is a risk of having just a very basic free trade agreement. That might involve tax dumping and social regulation dumping (ie, the UK trying to undercut the EU.)
He says the EU wants a fair and level playing field.
He says, when Brexit happens, it will be long term.
He says it is creating serious and specific problems. We need operational, legally-binding solutions - today, not tomorrow.
He says the EU will remain calm, vigilant and constructive. And he says it will be respectful of the UK and its leaders.
He says he will be available 24/7 in the coming days to try to reach an agreement.
He will respect his mandate, he says.
He says it might be “very difficult”. But, he goes on:
If there is goodwill on both sides, I think an agreement is still possible.
Barnier turns to his third point - the consent mechanism.
He says the EU wants a more important role for the Northern Irish institutions.
He says the UK plan would involve a unilateral decision being taken by the Northern Irish authorities. That means they could unilaterally decide not to introduce these arrangements.
Barnier turns to the second issue.Barnier turns to the second issue.
There must be operational solutions, he says.There must be operational solutions, he says.
He says the UK plan does not give the same security as the backstop, because it relies on ideas being worked out during the transition.He says the UK plan does not give the same security as the backstop, because it relies on ideas being worked out during the transition.
The UK propose having a joint committee to find solutions during the transition. But what happens if it can’t?The UK propose having a joint committee to find solutions during the transition. But what happens if it can’t?
The UK or the EU would then have to impose unilateral checks. But what would happen if the UK did not enforce any checks?The UK or the EU would then have to impose unilateral checks. But what would happen if the UK did not enforce any checks?
He says the UK plan has led to three concerns.He says the UK plan has led to three concerns.
First, the border issue. Boris Johnson has rejected the backstop, a safety net agreed with Theresa May, he says.First, the border issue. Boris Johnson has rejected the backstop, a safety net agreed with Theresa May, he says.
He says the UK and the EU agree on regulatory alignment for goods in Northern Ireland. But there is a dispute about customs. The EU wanted a backstop to avoid border checks. But the UK is asking the EU to accept a system that has not been properly tested, relying on exemptions and derogations and technology that has not been properly tested.He says the UK and the EU agree on regulatory alignment for goods in Northern Ireland. But there is a dispute about customs. The EU wanted a backstop to avoid border checks. But the UK is asking the EU to accept a system that has not been properly tested, relying on exemptions and derogations and technology that has not been properly tested.
He says the EU needs the integrity of the single market and customs union, and proper checks. There must be credible controls, he says. The single market must be credible to consumers and companies.He says the EU needs the integrity of the single market and customs union, and proper checks. There must be credible controls, he says. The single market must be credible to consumers and companies.
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, is speaking now.Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, is speaking now.
He says the UK have a competent and professional negotiating team.He says the UK have a competent and professional negotiating team.
But he says the two sides are not in a position to reach an agreement.But he says the two sides are not in a position to reach an agreement.
Time is pressing, he says.Time is pressing, he says.
Juncker turns to Brexit.Juncker turns to Brexit.
He says it was the choice of the UK.He says it was the choice of the UK.
He says he is not ruling out a deal.He says he is not ruling out a deal.
And he does not accept this blame game, “which started in London”.And he does not accept this blame game, “which started in London”.
He says he would like to repeat, for the sake of the British, that the European parliament would have to approve a Brexit deal, as well as the UK parliament.He says he would like to repeat, for the sake of the British, that the European parliament would have to approve a Brexit deal, as well as the UK parliament.
Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, is speaking now.Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, is speaking now.
He starts with non-Brexit issues. He is currently talking about EU enlargement (the opposite of Brexit).He starts with non-Brexit issues. He is currently talking about EU enlargement (the opposite of Brexit).
Tuppurainen says the UK crashing out of the EU is a “dangerously realistic” scenario, she says.Tuppurainen says the UK crashing out of the EU is a “dangerously realistic” scenario, she says.
She says EU leaders will have to take stock at the summit.She says EU leaders will have to take stock at the summit.
Tytti Tuppurainen, the Finnish Europe minister, is speaking now. Finland has the rotating presidency of the EU.Tytti Tuppurainen, the Finnish Europe minister, is speaking now. Finland has the rotating presidency of the EU.
She is covering the non-Brexit issues coming up at the summit.She is covering the non-Brexit issues coming up at the summit.
And she says the UK plans do not yet provide a basis for an agreement. But the EU will continue to work with UK to get an agreement, she says.And she says the UK plans do not yet provide a basis for an agreement. But the EU will continue to work with UK to get an agreement, she says.
Sassoli says MEPs do not want to see no deal.Sassoli says MEPs do not want to see no deal.
And MEPs want to uphold the rights of citizens.And MEPs want to uphold the rights of citizens.
He says he spoke to John Bercow, the Speaker, today. He says any request for an extension should allow the British people to give their views – either in an election or a referendum.He says he spoke to John Bercow, the Speaker, today. He says any request for an extension should allow the British people to give their views – either in an election or a referendum.
He says he and Bercow agreed on the importance of parliament.He says he and Bercow agreed on the importance of parliament.
David Sassoli, the president of the European parliament, starts by telling MEPs about his talks with Boris Johnson yesterday.David Sassoli, the president of the European parliament, starts by telling MEPs about his talks with Boris Johnson yesterday.
He says “not much progress” has been made since the European parliament last debated this.He says “not much progress” has been made since the European parliament last debated this.
He says the parliament’s approach is simple; it thinks an orderly exit is the best outcome.He says the parliament’s approach is simple; it thinks an orderly exit is the best outcome.
But the parliament “will not accept an agreement at any cost”.But the parliament “will not accept an agreement at any cost”.
It will not accept anything that threatens the Good Friday agreement and the peace process, and the integrity of the single market.It will not accept anything that threatens the Good Friday agreement and the peace process, and the integrity of the single market.
He says he told Johnson that the UK plans were not seen by MEPs as “a basis that would allow us to reach an agreement”.He says he told Johnson that the UK plans were not seen by MEPs as “a basis that would allow us to reach an agreement”.
MEPs wanted “operable” ideas, he says.MEPs wanted “operable” ideas, he says.
After some preliminary business, the European parliament is now starting to talk about next week’s EU summit.After some preliminary business, the European parliament is now starting to talk about next week’s EU summit.
David Sassoli, the president of the European parliament, is opening the session now.David Sassoli, the president of the European parliament, is opening the session now.
The European parliament’s plenary session is about to start.The European parliament’s plenary session is about to start.
Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, and Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, are there. They will be updating MEPs on Brexit.Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, and Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, are there. They will be updating MEPs on Brexit.
There is a live feed here.There is a live feed here.
Here are two stories about splits in the Conservative party around today that are worth flagging up.Here are two stories about splits in the Conservative party around today that are worth flagging up.
Sebastian Payne in the Financial Times (paywall) says at least 50 Conservative MPs would revolt against a general election manifesto that pledged to pursue a no-deal Brexit.Sebastian Payne in the Financial Times (paywall) says at least 50 Conservative MPs would revolt against a general election manifesto that pledged to pursue a no-deal Brexit.
Scores of Tory MPs oppose the idea and some are considering running on a softer individual Brexit platform or even standing aside as a Conservative candidate.Scores of Tory MPs oppose the idea and some are considering running on a softer individual Brexit platform or even standing aside as a Conservative candidate.
One minister predicted that “at least 50 colleagues could not back no-deal, including several in the cabinet”. Another said: “So much depends on the language but for me there has to be at least a nod to getting a deal.”One minister predicted that “at least 50 colleagues could not back no-deal, including several in the cabinet”. Another said: “So much depends on the language but for me there has to be at least a nod to getting a deal.”
Those MPs who would find a manifesto containing a purely no-deal Brexit policy problematic to support include culture secretary Nicky Morgan, justice secretary Robert Buckland and Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith.Those MPs who would find a manifesto containing a purely no-deal Brexit policy problematic to support include culture secretary Nicky Morgan, justice secretary Robert Buckland and Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith.
Damian Green, leader of the One Nation caucus of approximately 60 moderate Tory MPs, is due to lead a delegation to meet Boris Johnson on Wednesday. They are expected to tell the prime mister they cannot support a manifesto based on pursuing a no-deal Brexit.Damian Green, leader of the One Nation caucus of approximately 60 moderate Tory MPs, is due to lead a delegation to meet Boris Johnson on Wednesday. They are expected to tell the prime mister they cannot support a manifesto based on pursuing a no-deal Brexit.
This reaction was prompted by the anonymous No 10 briefing to the Spectator on Monday night saying the Tories would fight the next election on a no-deal platform.This reaction was prompted by the anonymous No 10 briefing to the Spectator on Monday night saying the Tories would fight the next election on a no-deal platform.
Alex Wickham at BuzzFeed says a rift has opened up at the top of Boris Johnson’s government between advisers loyal to the prime minister’s controversial chief aide Dominic Cummings and other senior Johnson allies.Alex Wickham at BuzzFeed says a rift has opened up at the top of Boris Johnson’s government between advisers loyal to the prime minister’s controversial chief aide Dominic Cummings and other senior Johnson allies.
The key dividing line is between the Vote Leave grouping which sees leaving the EU as the end goal and is willing to achieve it by any means necessary, and a group of advisers led by [Edward] Lister who see Johnson’s administration as a long-term project beyond Brexit, multiple government sources told BuzzFeed News.The key dividing line is between the Vote Leave grouping which sees leaving the EU as the end goal and is willing to achieve it by any means necessary, and a group of advisers led by [Edward] Lister who see Johnson’s administration as a long-term project beyond Brexit, multiple government sources told BuzzFeed News.
The Cummings faction – which crucially retains the support of the prime minister and forms his inner circle – is determined to secure an election and produce a hardline pitch to leave voters which seeks to nullify Nigel Farage’s Brexit party and blame the EU for the breakdown in negotiations, if it cannot agree a deal with Brussels or keep the PM’s promise to deliver Brexit by 31 October.The Cummings faction – which crucially retains the support of the prime minister and forms his inner circle – is determined to secure an election and produce a hardline pitch to leave voters which seeks to nullify Nigel Farage’s Brexit party and blame the EU for the breakdown in negotiations, if it cannot agree a deal with Brussels or keep the PM’s promise to deliver Brexit by 31 October.
The Vote Leavers hope that an uncompromising Brexit pitch would deliver a majority and that Johnson could then take the UK out of the EU without a deal, or offer Brussels new terms less attractive than his current proposal.The Vote Leavers hope that an uncompromising Brexit pitch would deliver a majority and that Johnson could then take the UK out of the EU without a deal, or offer Brussels new terms less attractive than his current proposal.
A Tory election campaign against the Brexit party would have to harden its position on any future agreement with the EU, offering a reduced Brexit bill and rejecting European court of justice involvement overseeing citizens’ rights, as well as no compromise on the backstop, a government official said.A Tory election campaign against the Brexit party would have to harden its position on any future agreement with the EU, offering a reduced Brexit bill and rejecting European court of justice involvement overseeing citizens’ rights, as well as no compromise on the backstop, a government official said.
Jeremy Corbyn has said the opposition might try to legislate again to ensure that Boris Johnson complies with the Benn act requiring him to request a Brexit extension in the event of no deal. Responding to the news that Johnson intends to hold a sitting of parliament on Saturday 19 October, Corbyn said:Jeremy Corbyn has said the opposition might try to legislate again to ensure that Boris Johnson complies with the Benn act requiring him to request a Brexit extension in the event of no deal. Responding to the news that Johnson intends to hold a sitting of parliament on Saturday 19 October, Corbyn said:
The prime minister has an opportunity on the 19th to announce that he has obeyed the law, signed the letter, and sent it off to Brussels to ask for the extension which will give us time to work out a sensible relationship with Europe.The prime minister has an opportunity on the 19th to announce that he has obeyed the law, signed the letter, and sent it off to Brussels to ask for the extension which will give us time to work out a sensible relationship with Europe.
The idea that the prime minister will break the law yet again is something that needs to be borne in mind here.The idea that the prime minister will break the law yet again is something that needs to be borne in mind here.
We will do everything we can in parliament, including legislating if necessary, to ensure that parliament makes that application to obey the EU No 2 Act [ie, the Benn act], which is the one that prevents us going into a no-deal crash-out on 31 October.We will do everything we can in parliament, including legislating if necessary, to ensure that parliament makes that application to obey the EU No 2 Act [ie, the Benn act], which is the one that prevents us going into a no-deal crash-out on 31 October.
Corbyn also said that in the event of Boris Johnson losing a confidence vote, he should be the person invited to form a government. He said:Corbyn also said that in the event of Boris Johnson losing a confidence vote, he should be the person invited to form a government. He said:
A caretaker government would be one appointed on the basis that the government has collapsed and the leader of the opposition is invited to form an administration.A caretaker government would be one appointed on the basis that the government has collapsed and the leader of the opposition is invited to form an administration.
When this government collapses I will accept that invitation and form an administration solely for the purposes of preventing a crash-out.When this government collapses I will accept that invitation and form an administration solely for the purposes of preventing a crash-out.
There is no process other than the leader of the opposition being invited to form that government and that’s what we will follow.There is no process other than the leader of the opposition being invited to form that government and that’s what we will follow.
Corbyn was speaking to the media on a visit to a wind turbine plant in Southampton, where he was promoting Labour’s plans to create 70,000 offshore windfarm jobs.Corbyn was speaking to the media on a visit to a wind turbine plant in Southampton, where he was promoting Labour’s plans to create 70,000 offshore windfarm jobs.
Labour pledges to create 70,000 more jobs in offshore windfarmsLabour pledges to create 70,000 more jobs in offshore windfarms
And this is what Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach (PM), told the Irish parliament about the anonymous briefing from Number 10 criticising him. He said:And this is what Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach (PM), told the Irish parliament about the anonymous briefing from Number 10 criticising him. He said:
To be honest, I don’t want to give much response to anonymous briefings of that nature. I don’t think much of an anonymous briefing whether they come from Downing Street or if they come from my own ranks, quite frankly.To be honest, I don’t want to give much response to anonymous briefings of that nature. I don’t think much of an anonymous briefing whether they come from Downing Street or if they come from my own ranks, quite frankly.